Business journalism ethics in Africa: a comparative study of newsrooms in South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mare, Admire
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Journalism, Commercial Journalistic ethics Journalism, Commercial -- South Africa Journalism, Commercial -- Kenya Journalism, Commercial -- Zimbabwe Business Day (South Africa) Business Daily (Kenya) Financial Gazette (Zimbabwe)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002912
- Description: This study provides an insight into the state of business journalism ethics in Africa, firstly through an examination of newsroom ethical policies and secondly through an exploration of the way in which African business journalists negotiate ethical decision-making in their day-to-day news processing practices. Thirdly, it examines how the three African media organisations have responded in their newsroom policies and practices to the debates on the Africanisation of journalism ethics. In order to collect data, the researcher employed document analysis, semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Three financial newspapers namely: Business Day in South Africa, Business Daily in Kenya and Financial Gazette in Zimbabwe were purposively chosen. In these African countries, business journalism has been steadily growing since the late 1960s, fuelled by the presence of robust stock exchanges, making the issue of business journalism ethics of central importance. Grounded in the sociology of news production paradigm, Bourdieu’s journalistic field theory and debates on Africanisation of journalism ethics, this study identifies three major issues. First, the research found that while all three newspapers had clear ethical guidelines in place, and editors and journalists recognised the importance of ethical behaviour, ethical practice did not always follow. A disconnect exists between words (codes of ethics) and actions (practice) especially in Kenya and Zimbabwe, where business journalists are more susceptible to economic and political pressures. The argument is ethical considerations notwithstanding, people need to survive. This is largely due to the precarious economic basis of news organisations, lack of effective monitoring, and a pervasive culture of unethical behaviour at some sites. Second, the study also shows that institutional factors such as advertising, powerful news sources and interference from senior management make ethical business journalism difficult to practice. Third, Africanisation remains an academic issue with little movement towards that direction in most newsrooms studied. The findings of this study demonstrate that business editors in African newsrooms are confused on what ‘Africanisation’ entails especially given their shared view that journalism practices are universal. It recommends that business journalism codes of ethics informed by African values are long overdue. In terms of enforcement and monitoring of codes, it is important to use compliance officers or ombudsperson and periodically run in-house refresher courses on ethics and professionalism. It is imperative that the financial press improve the working conditions of its employees in order to lessen incidences of corruption which are threatening the credibility of media content and media organisation themselves.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mare, Admire
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Journalism, Commercial Journalistic ethics Journalism, Commercial -- South Africa Journalism, Commercial -- Kenya Journalism, Commercial -- Zimbabwe Business Day (South Africa) Business Daily (Kenya) Financial Gazette (Zimbabwe)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002912
- Description: This study provides an insight into the state of business journalism ethics in Africa, firstly through an examination of newsroom ethical policies and secondly through an exploration of the way in which African business journalists negotiate ethical decision-making in their day-to-day news processing practices. Thirdly, it examines how the three African media organisations have responded in their newsroom policies and practices to the debates on the Africanisation of journalism ethics. In order to collect data, the researcher employed document analysis, semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Three financial newspapers namely: Business Day in South Africa, Business Daily in Kenya and Financial Gazette in Zimbabwe were purposively chosen. In these African countries, business journalism has been steadily growing since the late 1960s, fuelled by the presence of robust stock exchanges, making the issue of business journalism ethics of central importance. Grounded in the sociology of news production paradigm, Bourdieu’s journalistic field theory and debates on Africanisation of journalism ethics, this study identifies three major issues. First, the research found that while all three newspapers had clear ethical guidelines in place, and editors and journalists recognised the importance of ethical behaviour, ethical practice did not always follow. A disconnect exists between words (codes of ethics) and actions (practice) especially in Kenya and Zimbabwe, where business journalists are more susceptible to economic and political pressures. The argument is ethical considerations notwithstanding, people need to survive. This is largely due to the precarious economic basis of news organisations, lack of effective monitoring, and a pervasive culture of unethical behaviour at some sites. Second, the study also shows that institutional factors such as advertising, powerful news sources and interference from senior management make ethical business journalism difficult to practice. Third, Africanisation remains an academic issue with little movement towards that direction in most newsrooms studied. The findings of this study demonstrate that business editors in African newsrooms are confused on what ‘Africanisation’ entails especially given their shared view that journalism practices are universal. It recommends that business journalism codes of ethics informed by African values are long overdue. In terms of enforcement and monitoring of codes, it is important to use compliance officers or ombudsperson and periodically run in-house refresher courses on ethics and professionalism. It is imperative that the financial press improve the working conditions of its employees in order to lessen incidences of corruption which are threatening the credibility of media content and media organisation themselves.
- Full Text:
Collaborative monitoring in ecosystem management in South Africa's communal lands
- Authors: Bolus, Cosman
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006948 , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Internationally there is an increasing focus on involving local communities in natural resource management and monitoring. Monitoring methods which are professionally driven appear to be inadequate to deal with the monitoring of natural resource use and biodiversity conservation, globally. This is especially evident in areas such as South African rural communal land. Two community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programmes in areas which are communally governed in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, namely Nqabara and Machubeni, were used as part of this research study. This thesis identified and tested potentially simple and cost effective monitoring methods related to the utilization of the local rangelands and indigenous forests. The criteria that were tested include 1) appropriateness and effectiveness in measuring change, and 2) contribution to building adaptive capacity among local land managers through learning. The criteria were assessed using a scoring system for each monitoring method in order to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses . This was done by using both quantitative and qualitative data. Contribution to building adaptive capacity was assessed by evaluating technical capacity gained, local ecological knowledge contributed and learning by participants. This was done using qualitative data. The results show that the monitoring methods had different strengths and weaknesses in relation to the criteria, making them more appropriate for different priorities such as effectively measuring change or building adaptive capacity. It is argued that an adaptive approach is a useful component in the participatory monitoring process. An adaptive framework was developed from lessons learnt in this study for collaborative monitoring. Challenges such as low literacy levels and adequate training still need to be addressed to strengthen efforts towards participatory monitoring. Factors such as incentives, conflict and local values may negatively affect the legitimacy and sustainability of participatory monitoring and therefore also need to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bolus, Cosman
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006948 , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Internationally there is an increasing focus on involving local communities in natural resource management and monitoring. Monitoring methods which are professionally driven appear to be inadequate to deal with the monitoring of natural resource use and biodiversity conservation, globally. This is especially evident in areas such as South African rural communal land. Two community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programmes in areas which are communally governed in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, namely Nqabara and Machubeni, were used as part of this research study. This thesis identified and tested potentially simple and cost effective monitoring methods related to the utilization of the local rangelands and indigenous forests. The criteria that were tested include 1) appropriateness and effectiveness in measuring change, and 2) contribution to building adaptive capacity among local land managers through learning. The criteria were assessed using a scoring system for each monitoring method in order to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses . This was done by using both quantitative and qualitative data. Contribution to building adaptive capacity was assessed by evaluating technical capacity gained, local ecological knowledge contributed and learning by participants. This was done using qualitative data. The results show that the monitoring methods had different strengths and weaknesses in relation to the criteria, making them more appropriate for different priorities such as effectively measuring change or building adaptive capacity. It is argued that an adaptive approach is a useful component in the participatory monitoring process. An adaptive framework was developed from lessons learnt in this study for collaborative monitoring. Challenges such as low literacy levels and adequate training still need to be addressed to strengthen efforts towards participatory monitoring. Factors such as incentives, conflict and local values may negatively affect the legitimacy and sustainability of participatory monitoring and therefore also need to be addressed.
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Comparison of A₄ neutrino mass models
- Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Authors: Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Neutrinos -- Mass , Standard model (Nuclear physics) , Particles (Nuclear physics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015271
- Description: The present neutrino oscillation data are compatible with tri-bimaximal mixing, to leading order. The addition of an A₄ family symmetry and extended Higgs sector to the Standard Model can generate this mixing pattern, assuming the correct vacuum expectation value alignment of Higgs scalars. The effect of deviating this alignment is studied, for different types of A₄ models, with a phenomenological emphasis: the effect of perturbations on the model predictions for the neutrino oscillation and neutrino mass observables. The standard theoretical description of neutrino oscillations is presented, along with a summary of the past, present and future experimental efforts aimed at measuring the neutrino mixing parameters. Additionally, the current constraints on the sum of absolute neutrino masses and the amplitude for neutrinoless double beta decay, which is yet to be observed, are discussed. These constraints provide a model-independent test of family symmetery models. The Standard Model is reviewed, and extensions to the Standard Model such as the seesaw mechanism(s) are discussed: these are designed to endow neutrinos with mass, and can be incorporated into A₄ symmetry models. Models with different A₄ particle assignments are analysed for deviations from tribimaximal mixing. There are nine models presented in Chapter 5, with lepton doublets transforming as 3 (underlined) and right-handed charged leptons transforming as 1, 1', 1" (all underlined) ; five of these include right-handed neutrinos transforming as 3 (underlined) and make use of the seesaw mechanism. Chapter 6 contains the analysis of six models that assign all leptons to the 3 (underlined) representation, with four of these utilising the seesaw mechanism. The models are tested for any degree of fine tuning of the parameters that define the mass matrices. The effect of perturbations on the mixing angle observables, in particular sin² ∅₁₃ and sin² ∅₂₃, is studied, as well as the effect on the Jarlskog invariant, Jcp. Investigations of the (Mee)- ∑Mv parameter space allow for comparison with current data, and can lead to the possible exclusion of a particular model by constraints from future data.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Neutrinos -- Mass , Standard model (Nuclear physics) , Particles (Nuclear physics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015271
- Description: The present neutrino oscillation data are compatible with tri-bimaximal mixing, to leading order. The addition of an A₄ family symmetry and extended Higgs sector to the Standard Model can generate this mixing pattern, assuming the correct vacuum expectation value alignment of Higgs scalars. The effect of deviating this alignment is studied, for different types of A₄ models, with a phenomenological emphasis: the effect of perturbations on the model predictions for the neutrino oscillation and neutrino mass observables. The standard theoretical description of neutrino oscillations is presented, along with a summary of the past, present and future experimental efforts aimed at measuring the neutrino mixing parameters. Additionally, the current constraints on the sum of absolute neutrino masses and the amplitude for neutrinoless double beta decay, which is yet to be observed, are discussed. These constraints provide a model-independent test of family symmetery models. The Standard Model is reviewed, and extensions to the Standard Model such as the seesaw mechanism(s) are discussed: these are designed to endow neutrinos with mass, and can be incorporated into A₄ symmetry models. Models with different A₄ particle assignments are analysed for deviations from tribimaximal mixing. There are nine models presented in Chapter 5, with lepton doublets transforming as 3 (underlined) and right-handed charged leptons transforming as 1, 1', 1" (all underlined) ; five of these include right-handed neutrinos transforming as 3 (underlined) and make use of the seesaw mechanism. Chapter 6 contains the analysis of six models that assign all leptons to the 3 (underlined) representation, with four of these utilising the seesaw mechanism. The models are tested for any degree of fine tuning of the parameters that define the mass matrices. The effect of perturbations on the mixing angle observables, in particular sin² ∅₁₃ and sin² ∅₂₃, is studied, as well as the effect on the Jarlskog invariant, Jcp. Investigations of the (Mee)- ∑Mv parameter space allow for comparison with current data, and can lead to the possible exclusion of a particular model by constraints from future data.
- Full Text:
Comparison of the neuroprotective potential of theanine and minocycline
- Authors: Mpofu, Tariro Ann-Maureen
- Date: 2010 , 2010-09-20
- Subjects: Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects , Theanine -- Evaluation , Drugs -- Administration , Cerebrovascular disease -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003253 , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects , Theanine -- Evaluation , Drugs -- Administration , Cerebrovascular disease -- Prevention
- Description: Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and death worldwide. The most commonly experienced stroke in the clinical setting is focal ischaemia in which the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is occluded and leads to a complex series of various pathophysiological pathways that ultimately lead to neuronal cell death. Several studies have been conducted on various therapeutic agents in the search for a neuroprotective drug and various animal models have been used to carry out this research. While theanine, a component of green tea and minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, have been shown to possess some neuroprotective properties, the mechanisms by which these two agents carry out these effects still remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mechanisms by which these drugs carry out these neuroprotective effects and their neuroprotective ability in a MCA occlusion model of focal ischaemia. Ischaemia leads to oxidative stress due to the imbalance of free radicals and the endogenous antioxidant defence system. An antioxidant assay using the stable 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) radical was used to assess the antiradical properties of each drug. It was found that minocycline showed superior antioxidant activity in vitro when compared to theanine. Further studies on the drugs‟ ability to attenuate the Fenton reaction (in which iron catalyses the formation of reactive species) were elucidated using electrochemical analysis, UV/VIS studies, ferrozine and ferritin assays. It was found that minocycline, in contrast to theanine, was able to bind to iron ions and thus potentially prevent the participation of iron in metal catalysed radical reaction. The antioxidant activity of both drugs was further investigated by assessing their effect on cyanide-induced superoxide generation and quinolinic acid (QA)-induced lipid peroxidation (LP). Experimental evidence shows that both drugs had no significant effect on the generation of superoxide in vitro and that there was a significant decrease in LP for minocycline in vitro and theanine in vivo. The metal binding and antioxidant properties were postulated to be a possible mechanism through which these agents reduced lipid peroxidation. A study was conducted to determine the effects of the drugs on the biosynthesis of the neurotoxin, QA and it was found that minocycline increases the levels of holoenzyme activity of tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) in vitro and that theanine reduces the levels of the same enzyme in vivo after treatment for 10 days. TDO is the enzyme that converts tryptophan to other products that enable enzymatic activity to change it to QA. Minocycline was thought to bring about this effect as it has been shown from preceding experimental studies that it is an effective reducing agent. Theanine on the other hand is hypothesised to bring about a reduction in holoenzyme activity by changing the binding of tryptophan to the enzyme or affecting the radicals that participate in the enzymatic degradation of tryptophan. A focal ischaemic model of stroke was induced by occluding the MCA. Histological examination of the hippocampus post -ischaemia shows a reduction in the size of the infarct after pre-treatment with minocycline only. A further study into the effects of the drugs on the generation of superoxide and on the levels of the endogenous glutathione after a stroke was carried out. Pre-treatment of the animals with either theanine or minocycline showed no significant effects on the generation of the radical species or of the endogenous antioxidant which ruled out these as a mechanism of neuroprotection of both drugs, post-ischaemia.The findings of this study provide novel information on the possible mechanisms by which both theanine and minocycline act to bring about neuroprotection. In particular in this study, pre-treatment with minocycline has shown promise in the focal ischaemic model of stroke.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mpofu, Tariro Ann-Maureen
- Date: 2010 , 2010-09-20
- Subjects: Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects , Theanine -- Evaluation , Drugs -- Administration , Cerebrovascular disease -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003253 , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects , Theanine -- Evaluation , Drugs -- Administration , Cerebrovascular disease -- Prevention
- Description: Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and death worldwide. The most commonly experienced stroke in the clinical setting is focal ischaemia in which the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is occluded and leads to a complex series of various pathophysiological pathways that ultimately lead to neuronal cell death. Several studies have been conducted on various therapeutic agents in the search for a neuroprotective drug and various animal models have been used to carry out this research. While theanine, a component of green tea and minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, have been shown to possess some neuroprotective properties, the mechanisms by which these two agents carry out these effects still remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mechanisms by which these drugs carry out these neuroprotective effects and their neuroprotective ability in a MCA occlusion model of focal ischaemia. Ischaemia leads to oxidative stress due to the imbalance of free radicals and the endogenous antioxidant defence system. An antioxidant assay using the stable 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) radical was used to assess the antiradical properties of each drug. It was found that minocycline showed superior antioxidant activity in vitro when compared to theanine. Further studies on the drugs‟ ability to attenuate the Fenton reaction (in which iron catalyses the formation of reactive species) were elucidated using electrochemical analysis, UV/VIS studies, ferrozine and ferritin assays. It was found that minocycline, in contrast to theanine, was able to bind to iron ions and thus potentially prevent the participation of iron in metal catalysed radical reaction. The antioxidant activity of both drugs was further investigated by assessing their effect on cyanide-induced superoxide generation and quinolinic acid (QA)-induced lipid peroxidation (LP). Experimental evidence shows that both drugs had no significant effect on the generation of superoxide in vitro and that there was a significant decrease in LP for minocycline in vitro and theanine in vivo. The metal binding and antioxidant properties were postulated to be a possible mechanism through which these agents reduced lipid peroxidation. A study was conducted to determine the effects of the drugs on the biosynthesis of the neurotoxin, QA and it was found that minocycline increases the levels of holoenzyme activity of tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) in vitro and that theanine reduces the levels of the same enzyme in vivo after treatment for 10 days. TDO is the enzyme that converts tryptophan to other products that enable enzymatic activity to change it to QA. Minocycline was thought to bring about this effect as it has been shown from preceding experimental studies that it is an effective reducing agent. Theanine on the other hand is hypothesised to bring about a reduction in holoenzyme activity by changing the binding of tryptophan to the enzyme or affecting the radicals that participate in the enzymatic degradation of tryptophan. A focal ischaemic model of stroke was induced by occluding the MCA. Histological examination of the hippocampus post -ischaemia shows a reduction in the size of the infarct after pre-treatment with minocycline only. A further study into the effects of the drugs on the generation of superoxide and on the levels of the endogenous glutathione after a stroke was carried out. Pre-treatment of the animals with either theanine or minocycline showed no significant effects on the generation of the radical species or of the endogenous antioxidant which ruled out these as a mechanism of neuroprotection of both drugs, post-ischaemia.The findings of this study provide novel information on the possible mechanisms by which both theanine and minocycline act to bring about neuroprotection. In particular in this study, pre-treatment with minocycline has shown promise in the focal ischaemic model of stroke.
- Full Text:
Concussion in contact sport: investigating the neurocognitive profile of Afrikaans adolescent rugby players
- Authors: Horsman, Mark
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Afrikaner students -- Intelligence testing Sports -- Psychological aspects Rugby football injuries Neural computers Neuropsychological tests Brain -- Concussion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2994 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002503
- Description: A number of computerised tests have been especially developed to facilitate the medical management of the sports-related concussion. Probably the most widely used of these programmes is the ImPACT test that was developed in the USA and that is registered with the HPCSA for use in the South African context. A recent Afrikaans version of the test served as the basis of the present study with the following objectives: (i) to collect Afrikaans ImPACT normative data on a cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players with Model C education for comparison with existing South African English first language adolescent rugby players with Private/Model C schooling, and (ii) to investigate the pre-versus postseason ImPACT neurocognitive test profiles of this cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players versus equivalent noncontact sports controls. The results for Part 1 of the study generally demonstrate poorer performance in respect of the Afrikaans cohort, which is understood to be the result of poorer quality of education. The results for Part 2 demonstrated failure of the rugby group to benefit from practice on the ImPACT Visual Motor Speed composite score to the same extent as the control group. It is argued that this apparent cognitive vulnerability in the rugby group is due to lowered cognitive reserve capacity in association with long term exposure to concussive and sub-concussive injury.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Horsman, Mark
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Afrikaner students -- Intelligence testing Sports -- Psychological aspects Rugby football injuries Neural computers Neuropsychological tests Brain -- Concussion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2994 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002503
- Description: A number of computerised tests have been especially developed to facilitate the medical management of the sports-related concussion. Probably the most widely used of these programmes is the ImPACT test that was developed in the USA and that is registered with the HPCSA for use in the South African context. A recent Afrikaans version of the test served as the basis of the present study with the following objectives: (i) to collect Afrikaans ImPACT normative data on a cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players with Model C education for comparison with existing South African English first language adolescent rugby players with Private/Model C schooling, and (ii) to investigate the pre-versus postseason ImPACT neurocognitive test profiles of this cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players versus equivalent noncontact sports controls. The results for Part 1 of the study generally demonstrate poorer performance in respect of the Afrikaans cohort, which is understood to be the result of poorer quality of education. The results for Part 2 demonstrated failure of the rugby group to benefit from practice on the ImPACT Visual Motor Speed composite score to the same extent as the control group. It is argued that this apparent cognitive vulnerability in the rugby group is due to lowered cognitive reserve capacity in association with long term exposure to concussive and sub-concussive injury.
- Full Text:
Considerations on the economic impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on South Africa
- Authors: Menezes, Mathew Gomes
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: World Cup (Soccer) (2010) -- Economic aspects Sports -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Soccer -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:963 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002697
- Description: Mega-events are associated with significant positive implications such as enhanced international exposure of the host, improved infrastructure, increased tourist numbers, higher employment levels and tax revenues, greater feelings of patriotism among host region residents and integration of the host into the international community. Supporters of events have claimed that the occasions stimulate prominent economic gains for the host region. The economic and tourism growth that occurred in Barcelona following the 1992 Olympic Games is erroneously cited by proponents of hosting as an example of the potential benefits that an event can derive on the host. Those Games were not the sole driver of growth in the region. An analysis of previous mega-events, demonstrated that net benefits were not a necessary consequence of hosting. Comparison of pre-event estimates of the economic impact and their actual effects are universally divergent. The observation was validated by the consensus academic opinion that economic impact studies systematically overstate the benefits of hosting, and underestimate the costs. Further, different forward-looking studies of the same event, calculate vastly different predictions. The tools for calculating the economic impact, specifically Input-Output Analysis and Computable General Equilibrium, do not provide useful predictions given their dependence on the inaccurate data. With 2010 cost data having continually increased since 2003, determining the appropriate inputs to an I-O or CGE is problematic. It was identified that the weight given to the multiplier effect was also a factor in the amplification of the expected benefits. Given the poor data sets available as inputs to I-O and CGE models, the study concentrated on conducting a comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis of the determinants of the economic impact of the 2010 World Cup based on the premise that the identification of the relative costs and benefits of staging the event was regarded as a greater contribution to the body of knowledge on the topic. It can be expected that there will not be significant short-term economic gains; this study predicted a net cost of R8.4bn, which is marginally offset by short-term net intangible benefits. The short-term economic consequences of the 2010 World Cup are expected to be overshadowed by the long-term effects on revenues within the tourism industry. The image implication of hosting 2010 is the most salient factor in considering the economic impact of 2010, as an alteration in the national image can have long-term effects on FDI and tourism. It is however not a certainty that the international exposure that South Africa receives will be beneficial, in the instance that the World Cup is characterised by poor organisational measures or crime. The net impact of hosting is expected to be a function of the long-term benefits, which can be expected to exceed the short-terms costs, and derive a cumulative net benefit from staging 2010. The World Cup is however unlikely to stimulate the economic growth rate above levels that would have occurred had the event not been held in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Menezes, Mathew Gomes
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: World Cup (Soccer) (2010) -- Economic aspects Sports -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Soccer -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:963 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002697
- Description: Mega-events are associated with significant positive implications such as enhanced international exposure of the host, improved infrastructure, increased tourist numbers, higher employment levels and tax revenues, greater feelings of patriotism among host region residents and integration of the host into the international community. Supporters of events have claimed that the occasions stimulate prominent economic gains for the host region. The economic and tourism growth that occurred in Barcelona following the 1992 Olympic Games is erroneously cited by proponents of hosting as an example of the potential benefits that an event can derive on the host. Those Games were not the sole driver of growth in the region. An analysis of previous mega-events, demonstrated that net benefits were not a necessary consequence of hosting. Comparison of pre-event estimates of the economic impact and their actual effects are universally divergent. The observation was validated by the consensus academic opinion that economic impact studies systematically overstate the benefits of hosting, and underestimate the costs. Further, different forward-looking studies of the same event, calculate vastly different predictions. The tools for calculating the economic impact, specifically Input-Output Analysis and Computable General Equilibrium, do not provide useful predictions given their dependence on the inaccurate data. With 2010 cost data having continually increased since 2003, determining the appropriate inputs to an I-O or CGE is problematic. It was identified that the weight given to the multiplier effect was also a factor in the amplification of the expected benefits. Given the poor data sets available as inputs to I-O and CGE models, the study concentrated on conducting a comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis of the determinants of the economic impact of the 2010 World Cup based on the premise that the identification of the relative costs and benefits of staging the event was regarded as a greater contribution to the body of knowledge on the topic. It can be expected that there will not be significant short-term economic gains; this study predicted a net cost of R8.4bn, which is marginally offset by short-term net intangible benefits. The short-term economic consequences of the 2010 World Cup are expected to be overshadowed by the long-term effects on revenues within the tourism industry. The image implication of hosting 2010 is the most salient factor in considering the economic impact of 2010, as an alteration in the national image can have long-term effects on FDI and tourism. It is however not a certainty that the international exposure that South Africa receives will be beneficial, in the instance that the World Cup is characterised by poor organisational measures or crime. The net impact of hosting is expected to be a function of the long-term benefits, which can be expected to exceed the short-terms costs, and derive a cumulative net benefit from staging 2010. The World Cup is however unlikely to stimulate the economic growth rate above levels that would have occurred had the event not been held in South Africa.
- Full Text:
Contemporary left politics in South Africa: the case of the tri-partite alliance in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hesjedal, Siv Helen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Politics, Practical -- South Africa Social classes -- South Africa -- History Political parties -- South Africa African National Congress South African Communist Party Cosatu Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Politics and government Politics, Practical -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003083
- Description: This thesis aims to make sense of Left politics in South Africa within the Tri-partite Alliance between the ANC, SACP and COSATU. The thesis focuses on developments in the Eastern Cape, between 2000 and 2008. The thesis describes the prevalent forms of Left politics in the Eastern Cape and the tendencies in the Alliance that organise this Left. The thesis also examines the historical, social and political conditions and that shape the form and content of Left politics in the province. Based on a survey of literature on what is considered the core manifestations of Left politics globally in the 20th Century Left politics is defined as the elements of the political spectrum that are concerned with the progressive resolution of involuntary disadvantage and with a goal of abolishing class society and capitalism. Although the Alliance as a whole should be seen to be on the Left on an international political spectrum, this thesis argues that the Left/Right dichotomy is useful for understanding the politics of the Alliance, as long as the second part of this definition is taken into consideration. The Alliance Left is understood as those leaders and activists within the Alliance that have the SACP and Cosatu as their operating base. It will be argued that this Left is, in its practice, largely concerned with what insiders refer to as politics of „influence‟, rather than with politics of „structural transformation‟. It is the ANC that is the leader of the Alliance and the party in government and thus it is on the terrain of ANC strategy, policy and positions that contestation in the Alliance plays itself out. Thus, for the Left, there is strength in the idea of the Alliance. However, there are significant theoretical and political weaknesses in the Left that undermine the possibility of making good use of various corporatist platforms to pursue the agenda of the Left in the Eastern Cape. There is also increased contestation within the Alliance Left itself about the continued usefulness of this strategy.
- Full Text:
Contemporary left politics in South Africa: the case of the tri-partite alliance in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hesjedal, Siv Helen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Politics, Practical -- South Africa Social classes -- South Africa -- History Political parties -- South Africa African National Congress South African Communist Party Cosatu Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Politics and government Politics, Practical -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003083
- Description: This thesis aims to make sense of Left politics in South Africa within the Tri-partite Alliance between the ANC, SACP and COSATU. The thesis focuses on developments in the Eastern Cape, between 2000 and 2008. The thesis describes the prevalent forms of Left politics in the Eastern Cape and the tendencies in the Alliance that organise this Left. The thesis also examines the historical, social and political conditions and that shape the form and content of Left politics in the province. Based on a survey of literature on what is considered the core manifestations of Left politics globally in the 20th Century Left politics is defined as the elements of the political spectrum that are concerned with the progressive resolution of involuntary disadvantage and with a goal of abolishing class society and capitalism. Although the Alliance as a whole should be seen to be on the Left on an international political spectrum, this thesis argues that the Left/Right dichotomy is useful for understanding the politics of the Alliance, as long as the second part of this definition is taken into consideration. The Alliance Left is understood as those leaders and activists within the Alliance that have the SACP and Cosatu as their operating base. It will be argued that this Left is, in its practice, largely concerned with what insiders refer to as politics of „influence‟, rather than with politics of „structural transformation‟. It is the ANC that is the leader of the Alliance and the party in government and thus it is on the terrain of ANC strategy, policy and positions that contestation in the Alliance plays itself out. Thus, for the Left, there is strength in the idea of the Alliance. However, there are significant theoretical and political weaknesses in the Left that undermine the possibility of making good use of various corporatist platforms to pursue the agenda of the Left in the Eastern Cape. There is also increased contestation within the Alliance Left itself about the continued usefulness of this strategy.
- Full Text:
Contextualising curriculum through issues-based approaches: a case of eco-schools in Kenya
- Authors: Epus, Joash Gregory Odeke
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Kenya -- Case studies Curriculum planning -- Kenya -- Case studies Curriculum change -- Kenya -- Case studies Environmental literacy -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies Environmental education -- Activity programs -- Namibia -- Case studies Conservation of natural resources -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003344
- Description: This study involved an issues-based approach to curriculum contextualisation in the context of the Eco-Schools programme in Kenya. It adopted a two-phase design using interpretivist and socially critical research orientations. In this study, research is represented as a process which is socially constructed within a particular theoretical, contextual, social and historical context by unfolding the thesis to illuminate how the phases are closely woven into each other. The first phase used the survey method for a contextual review of existing approaches and views relating to environmental education in the formal education sector. The survey aimed to develop a deeper understanding of environmental education as currently practiced in Kenya and to unravel the complexities surrounding it. It involved about two hundred and six primary school teachers and a critical review of a set of resource materials used in Kenyan Primary Schools. It revealed that some aspects of environmental education practice and the prevailing technocratic view of curriculum in Kenyan primary schools potentially limit possibilities for issues-based approaches to curriculum contextualisation. The action research process in four case study schools in Nyanza province of Kenya represent an attempt to address issues in context through socially critical environmental education. Participant observations, workshops and document analysis revealed that, contextualised conceptions of the terms ‘environment’ and ‘environmental education’ that resulted from a process of deliberation of meaning by teachers in relation to their contexts and practices served to set perspective for the action research process. Further, the planning phase which involved environmental auditing to identify issues of concern, prioritization of actions, issues to address, and action planning to guide implementation was critical in setting the agenda of the action research process in each of the case study schools. Integration and infusion of local issues of concern into curriculum planning further enriched processes of curriculum contextualisation, making them relevant to local contexts by addressing real issues through appropriate pedagogical approaches in auditing, investigation and research, communicating and interpreting results, reflecting on investigations and taking action. The action research process further enhanced cooperation and partnership between the case study schools and surrounding communities with mutual benefits. The research report demonstrates that despite the limitations posed by the technocratic orientation of the Kenyan curriculum, it is possible to address real environmental issues, risks and associated sustainable development challenges in context through issues-based approaches to curriculum contextualisation in the context of the Eco-Schools programme.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Epus, Joash Gregory Odeke
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Kenya -- Case studies Curriculum planning -- Kenya -- Case studies Curriculum change -- Kenya -- Case studies Environmental literacy -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies Environmental education -- Activity programs -- Namibia -- Case studies Conservation of natural resources -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003344
- Description: This study involved an issues-based approach to curriculum contextualisation in the context of the Eco-Schools programme in Kenya. It adopted a two-phase design using interpretivist and socially critical research orientations. In this study, research is represented as a process which is socially constructed within a particular theoretical, contextual, social and historical context by unfolding the thesis to illuminate how the phases are closely woven into each other. The first phase used the survey method for a contextual review of existing approaches and views relating to environmental education in the formal education sector. The survey aimed to develop a deeper understanding of environmental education as currently practiced in Kenya and to unravel the complexities surrounding it. It involved about two hundred and six primary school teachers and a critical review of a set of resource materials used in Kenyan Primary Schools. It revealed that some aspects of environmental education practice and the prevailing technocratic view of curriculum in Kenyan primary schools potentially limit possibilities for issues-based approaches to curriculum contextualisation. The action research process in four case study schools in Nyanza province of Kenya represent an attempt to address issues in context through socially critical environmental education. Participant observations, workshops and document analysis revealed that, contextualised conceptions of the terms ‘environment’ and ‘environmental education’ that resulted from a process of deliberation of meaning by teachers in relation to their contexts and practices served to set perspective for the action research process. Further, the planning phase which involved environmental auditing to identify issues of concern, prioritization of actions, issues to address, and action planning to guide implementation was critical in setting the agenda of the action research process in each of the case study schools. Integration and infusion of local issues of concern into curriculum planning further enriched processes of curriculum contextualisation, making them relevant to local contexts by addressing real issues through appropriate pedagogical approaches in auditing, investigation and research, communicating and interpreting results, reflecting on investigations and taking action. The action research process further enhanced cooperation and partnership between the case study schools and surrounding communities with mutual benefits. The research report demonstrates that despite the limitations posed by the technocratic orientation of the Kenyan curriculum, it is possible to address real environmental issues, risks and associated sustainable development challenges in context through issues-based approaches to curriculum contextualisation in the context of the Eco-Schools programme.
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Contrasting biodiversity values in four states of Eastern Province thornveld
- Authors: Duncan, Imogen May
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agrobiodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003759 , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agrobiodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Land use and land transformation are major threats to biodiversity. Only a small percentage of land and thus biodiversity is protected within reserves. The majority of biodiversity lies in the hands of private and communal farmers and in order to protect biodiversity they must perceive it as having some value and have the means and incentive to conserve it. This study examined two things: (i) the relationship between biodiversity and measures of ecosystem health, range condition, primary production and presence of useful plants that would be expected to be of relevant use to land users, (ii) the perceptions of farmers of vegetation states that differ in the abovementioned attributes. Within the Eastern Province Thornveld of the Smaldeel area, four different vegetation states were selected for the study, namely park-like grassland with scattered Acacia karroo (“savanna”), heavily infested Acacia karroo grassland (“acacia”), thicket-grassland mosaic (“thicket”) and heavily utilised thicketgrassland in communal lands (“communal”). The four states are a consequence of different patterns of browsing and fire, in both pre-colonial and recent times. Different ecological attributes were assessed and compared for each state and the relationships between the different attributes determined. Ecosystem health, in terms of stability or resistance to erosion, infiltration/water-holding capacity, and nutrient cycling were compared using Landscape Function Analysis. The agricultural value of the different landscapes was measured using range condition assessment techniques. Plant species richness and other measures of diversity, along with their conservation and usefulness values, were compared between states. Plant productivity and biomass were compared using satellite data. The thicket state was found to be the most functional due to the added habitat complexity provided by the vegetation. It was the most biodiverse, the most useful and contained many, but not all of the important conservation species. The communal state had high biodiversity and was be fairly resilient to heavy usage, not showing the expected signs of land degradation. The savanna state, although thought of as the optimum state for cattle production, was not significantly different from the other states in terms of agricultural potential, but had the lowest values for plant diversity, browse potential, abundance of useful plant species and biomass. The acacia state had the highest and least stable values in terms of biomass production, however it was found to contain species of conservation importance. The preference that four groups of land users, namely men and women from commercial and communal farming areas, expressed for the four vegetation states was assessed using semi-structured interviews in conjunction with A3 colour photographs. The men and women from the communal areas and the men from the commercial areas valued the thicket state highly for its farming potential. The male commercial farmers also valued the savanna state highly as they perceived it as being most productive for cattle farming. Both the thicket state and the savanna state were found aesthetically pleasing by all the user groups, in line with theories of preference for modified savannas and for familiar environments. There appears to be potential for preserving biodiversity on farmland. The farmers in this study, with their very utilitarian perspective, were found to intuitively gauge the health of the landscape and recognise biodiversity as indicating good farming land. The commercial farmers were strongly influenced by economic motives and thus attracted to the savanna state, but also recognised the opportunity for a wider variety of farming activities in the thicket state. The communal farmers have a high dependence on the land for their livelihoods and preferred the thicket state for its overall usefulness. The views of the farmers indicate that the opportunity for conservation is good, however much of the thicket state lies in the communal land, where the openaccess land use system makes managing for biodiversity difficult.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Duncan, Imogen May
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agrobiodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003759 , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agrobiodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Land use and land transformation are major threats to biodiversity. Only a small percentage of land and thus biodiversity is protected within reserves. The majority of biodiversity lies in the hands of private and communal farmers and in order to protect biodiversity they must perceive it as having some value and have the means and incentive to conserve it. This study examined two things: (i) the relationship between biodiversity and measures of ecosystem health, range condition, primary production and presence of useful plants that would be expected to be of relevant use to land users, (ii) the perceptions of farmers of vegetation states that differ in the abovementioned attributes. Within the Eastern Province Thornveld of the Smaldeel area, four different vegetation states were selected for the study, namely park-like grassland with scattered Acacia karroo (“savanna”), heavily infested Acacia karroo grassland (“acacia”), thicket-grassland mosaic (“thicket”) and heavily utilised thicketgrassland in communal lands (“communal”). The four states are a consequence of different patterns of browsing and fire, in both pre-colonial and recent times. Different ecological attributes were assessed and compared for each state and the relationships between the different attributes determined. Ecosystem health, in terms of stability or resistance to erosion, infiltration/water-holding capacity, and nutrient cycling were compared using Landscape Function Analysis. The agricultural value of the different landscapes was measured using range condition assessment techniques. Plant species richness and other measures of diversity, along with their conservation and usefulness values, were compared between states. Plant productivity and biomass were compared using satellite data. The thicket state was found to be the most functional due to the added habitat complexity provided by the vegetation. It was the most biodiverse, the most useful and contained many, but not all of the important conservation species. The communal state had high biodiversity and was be fairly resilient to heavy usage, not showing the expected signs of land degradation. The savanna state, although thought of as the optimum state for cattle production, was not significantly different from the other states in terms of agricultural potential, but had the lowest values for plant diversity, browse potential, abundance of useful plant species and biomass. The acacia state had the highest and least stable values in terms of biomass production, however it was found to contain species of conservation importance. The preference that four groups of land users, namely men and women from commercial and communal farming areas, expressed for the four vegetation states was assessed using semi-structured interviews in conjunction with A3 colour photographs. The men and women from the communal areas and the men from the commercial areas valued the thicket state highly for its farming potential. The male commercial farmers also valued the savanna state highly as they perceived it as being most productive for cattle farming. Both the thicket state and the savanna state were found aesthetically pleasing by all the user groups, in line with theories of preference for modified savannas and for familiar environments. There appears to be potential for preserving biodiversity on farmland. The farmers in this study, with their very utilitarian perspective, were found to intuitively gauge the health of the landscape and recognise biodiversity as indicating good farming land. The commercial farmers were strongly influenced by economic motives and thus attracted to the savanna state, but also recognised the opportunity for a wider variety of farming activities in the thicket state. The communal farmers have a high dependence on the land for their livelihoods and preferred the thicket state for its overall usefulness. The views of the farmers indicate that the opportunity for conservation is good, however much of the thicket state lies in the communal land, where the openaccess land use system makes managing for biodiversity difficult.
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Control and authenticity: reflections on personal autonomy
- Authors: Paphitis, Sharli Anne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Frankfurt, Harry G., 1929- -- Criticism and interpretation Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 -- Criticism and interpretation Watson, Gary, 1943- -- Criticism and interpretation Self-control Authenticity (Philosophy) Autonomy (Philosophy) Self (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002847
- Description: Currently the most influential accounts of personal autonomy, at least in the Englishspeaking world, focus on providing conditions under which agents can be said to exercise self-control. Two distinct accounts of personal autonomy have emerged in this tradition: firstly, hierarchical models grounded in the work of Harry Frankfurt; and secondly, systems division models most famously articulated by Gary Watson. In this thesis I show the inadequacies of both of these models by exploring the problematic views of the self and self-control underlying each model. I will suggest that the problems faced by these models stem from the fact that they endorse a problematic fragmentation of the self. I suggest that a Nietzschean account of personal autonomy is able to avoid these problems. The Nietzschean account can largely, I show, be drawn from Nietzsche’s understanding of both the ‘man of ressentiment’ and his opposite, the sovereign individual. On this picture wholeness of self – rather than fragmentation of the self – is required in order for us to be most fully autonomous. Furthermore, this wholeness of self requires the kind of integrity which is opposed to the problematic fragmentation endorsed by Frankfurt and Watson.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Paphitis, Sharli Anne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Frankfurt, Harry G., 1929- -- Criticism and interpretation Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 -- Criticism and interpretation Watson, Gary, 1943- -- Criticism and interpretation Self-control Authenticity (Philosophy) Autonomy (Philosophy) Self (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002847
- Description: Currently the most influential accounts of personal autonomy, at least in the Englishspeaking world, focus on providing conditions under which agents can be said to exercise self-control. Two distinct accounts of personal autonomy have emerged in this tradition: firstly, hierarchical models grounded in the work of Harry Frankfurt; and secondly, systems division models most famously articulated by Gary Watson. In this thesis I show the inadequacies of both of these models by exploring the problematic views of the self and self-control underlying each model. I will suggest that the problems faced by these models stem from the fact that they endorse a problematic fragmentation of the self. I suggest that a Nietzschean account of personal autonomy is able to avoid these problems. The Nietzschean account can largely, I show, be drawn from Nietzsche’s understanding of both the ‘man of ressentiment’ and his opposite, the sovereign individual. On this picture wholeness of self – rather than fragmentation of the self – is required in order for us to be most fully autonomous. Furthermore, this wholeness of self requires the kind of integrity which is opposed to the problematic fragmentation endorsed by Frankfurt and Watson.
- Full Text:
Cost-effective, post-mining environmental restoration of an open-cast phosphate mine at Langebaanweg, South Africa
- Authors: Van Eeden, Joseph Deon
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Abandoned mined lands reclamation -- South Africa -- Langebaan , Phosphate mines and mining -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Langebaan , Phytoremediation -- South Africa -- Langebaan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4232 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003801 , Abandoned mined lands reclamation -- South Africa -- Langebaan , Phosphate mines and mining -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Langebaan , Phytoremediation -- South Africa -- Langebaan
- Description: Approaching the ecological rehabilitation of an open-cast phosphate mine in the West Coast of South Africa during the post-operational phase presented some challenges. The area was extensively modified during the mining operations. Soils from different layers were mixed with topsoil being covered by subsoil, overburden dumps and tailing dams being constructed resulting in extensive cross-zoned soils. Large areas of subsoil areas were exposed on the mine floor with localized and small scale salinity being evident. The modified topography as well as the complex new surface material posed a challenge in terms of identifying suitable local species that could be used to rehabilitate the post-mining environment. The mine area was heavily infested with woody alien invasive plants, such as Acacia cyclops, established in an attempt to reduce the dust and little natural vegetation cover was present. In the arid west coast environment, the four-month-long winter growing season is followed by hot and windy dry summers (Chapter 2) presenting a challenge reestablishing local vegetation in modified soils. Moreover, little was known about the local vegetation in terms of their propagation and use in stabilization techniques as an alternative to exotic vegetation such as the A. cyclops, which had been more often used in revegetation projects. A study was conducted to determine the most efficient and cost-effective methods of vegetative rehabilitation of the Chemfos site (Chapter 1). A review of the literature available at the time as well as approaches that were successfully implemented in other Western Cape rehabilitation projects such as the Du Toitskloof Pass and the Sishen–Saldanha railway line (Chapter 3), were considered. Previous studies on the west coast dunes at Blaauwberg had shown using Marram grass as a dune stabilizer was most successful. Marram grass was tested in trials alongside local grasses, such as Chaetobromus dregeanus and Ehrharta villosa, that showed potential but had not been formally evaluated. The environmental context of Chemfos (Chapter 2) as well as the Conceptual Rehabilitation Plan that considered the modified environment, soils and closure objectives of the mine, were reviewed to determine the most pressing rehabilitationrelated questions that required answers. This led to the final experimental design that was implemented mid-winter in 1996 (Chapter 5). The trials were implemented in the areas perceived to be the most difficult to rehabilitate, namely the mobile sands in the tailings dam and the exposed subsoil or mine floor areas. The use of brushwood together with specific plants and seeds appropriate for the use in either sandy soil or subsoil were evaluated in a variety of combinations and application densities to determine the most effective treatment combination at the minimum effective density. The best initial cover of the tailings dam were recorded in the Ammophila arenaria trials but the use of the local grass species Ehrharta villosa, performed better from year two onwards and was much cheaper to establish. On the subsoil, the trials where a cover of topsoil was used performed better than the combination trials. This indicated that topsoil placement on post-operational phase shaped subsoils during the mining operation to be the most desirable treatment. Initial results of the trials were used as a basis for developing the rehabilitation techniques that were rolled out across the Chemfos landscape. The approaches were refined as indications of trial responses became evident. Lessons learned were incorporated in the adaptive management approach that was followed and the rehabilitation techniques (Chapter 6) were continually re-evaluated and adjusted. This resulted in a significant step towards achieving the overall research objective of finding cost-effective approaches to rehabilitation. Components such as refinement of the seed collection and processing techniques (Chapter 7) where the post-harvest processing cost was significantly reduced by introducing specially designed drying racks. Processing techniques were adjusted to suit the different species, and a variety of mechanical processing options were explored. The scale of the Chemfos project led to the development of new techniques of manufacturing a smoke-derived germination stimulant (Chapter 8) since commercial availability of these products was very limited. The development of FireGrow assisted in the overall aim of reducing cost by increasing germination of seed in the rehabilitation sites using a very cost-effective smoke concentrate. Socio-economical aspects were considered during the implementation as well as the post-closure phases of the rehabilitation and BHPBilliton invested through the agency of the SAMANCOR Trust. This led to the development of livelihoods of the staff that remained in the area and that lived in the mine village. The demography of the population has changed over time in the Green Village as well as the skills that the inhabitants have developed. Thus, the new economic opportunities that were pursued have brought a new lease on life beyond the lifespan of the mine (Chapter 9) once the closure certificate had been issued.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Eeden, Joseph Deon
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Abandoned mined lands reclamation -- South Africa -- Langebaan , Phosphate mines and mining -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Langebaan , Phytoremediation -- South Africa -- Langebaan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4232 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003801 , Abandoned mined lands reclamation -- South Africa -- Langebaan , Phosphate mines and mining -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Langebaan , Phytoremediation -- South Africa -- Langebaan
- Description: Approaching the ecological rehabilitation of an open-cast phosphate mine in the West Coast of South Africa during the post-operational phase presented some challenges. The area was extensively modified during the mining operations. Soils from different layers were mixed with topsoil being covered by subsoil, overburden dumps and tailing dams being constructed resulting in extensive cross-zoned soils. Large areas of subsoil areas were exposed on the mine floor with localized and small scale salinity being evident. The modified topography as well as the complex new surface material posed a challenge in terms of identifying suitable local species that could be used to rehabilitate the post-mining environment. The mine area was heavily infested with woody alien invasive plants, such as Acacia cyclops, established in an attempt to reduce the dust and little natural vegetation cover was present. In the arid west coast environment, the four-month-long winter growing season is followed by hot and windy dry summers (Chapter 2) presenting a challenge reestablishing local vegetation in modified soils. Moreover, little was known about the local vegetation in terms of their propagation and use in stabilization techniques as an alternative to exotic vegetation such as the A. cyclops, which had been more often used in revegetation projects. A study was conducted to determine the most efficient and cost-effective methods of vegetative rehabilitation of the Chemfos site (Chapter 1). A review of the literature available at the time as well as approaches that were successfully implemented in other Western Cape rehabilitation projects such as the Du Toitskloof Pass and the Sishen–Saldanha railway line (Chapter 3), were considered. Previous studies on the west coast dunes at Blaauwberg had shown using Marram grass as a dune stabilizer was most successful. Marram grass was tested in trials alongside local grasses, such as Chaetobromus dregeanus and Ehrharta villosa, that showed potential but had not been formally evaluated. The environmental context of Chemfos (Chapter 2) as well as the Conceptual Rehabilitation Plan that considered the modified environment, soils and closure objectives of the mine, were reviewed to determine the most pressing rehabilitationrelated questions that required answers. This led to the final experimental design that was implemented mid-winter in 1996 (Chapter 5). The trials were implemented in the areas perceived to be the most difficult to rehabilitate, namely the mobile sands in the tailings dam and the exposed subsoil or mine floor areas. The use of brushwood together with specific plants and seeds appropriate for the use in either sandy soil or subsoil were evaluated in a variety of combinations and application densities to determine the most effective treatment combination at the minimum effective density. The best initial cover of the tailings dam were recorded in the Ammophila arenaria trials but the use of the local grass species Ehrharta villosa, performed better from year two onwards and was much cheaper to establish. On the subsoil, the trials where a cover of topsoil was used performed better than the combination trials. This indicated that topsoil placement on post-operational phase shaped subsoils during the mining operation to be the most desirable treatment. Initial results of the trials were used as a basis for developing the rehabilitation techniques that were rolled out across the Chemfos landscape. The approaches were refined as indications of trial responses became evident. Lessons learned were incorporated in the adaptive management approach that was followed and the rehabilitation techniques (Chapter 6) were continually re-evaluated and adjusted. This resulted in a significant step towards achieving the overall research objective of finding cost-effective approaches to rehabilitation. Components such as refinement of the seed collection and processing techniques (Chapter 7) where the post-harvest processing cost was significantly reduced by introducing specially designed drying racks. Processing techniques were adjusted to suit the different species, and a variety of mechanical processing options were explored. The scale of the Chemfos project led to the development of new techniques of manufacturing a smoke-derived germination stimulant (Chapter 8) since commercial availability of these products was very limited. The development of FireGrow assisted in the overall aim of reducing cost by increasing germination of seed in the rehabilitation sites using a very cost-effective smoke concentrate. Socio-economical aspects were considered during the implementation as well as the post-closure phases of the rehabilitation and BHPBilliton invested through the agency of the SAMANCOR Trust. This led to the development of livelihoods of the staff that remained in the area and that lived in the mine village. The demography of the population has changed over time in the Green Village as well as the skills that the inhabitants have developed. Thus, the new economic opportunities that were pursued have brought a new lease on life beyond the lifespan of the mine (Chapter 9) once the closure certificate had been issued.
- Full Text:
Creating a new underclass : labour flexibility and the temporary employment services industry
- Authors: Van Der Merwe, Christine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Temporary employment , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Temporary help services , Temporary help services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003079 , Temporary employment , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Temporary help services , Temporary help services -- South Africa
- Description: The core of the research focuses on the Temporary Employment Services (TES) Industry and its ability to provide labour flexibility for a number of client firms. The underlying notion that work is changing and becoming more flexible creates an exploratory realm for the concept of non-standard employment. The thesis draws on the conceptual model of the „flexible firm‟ and argues that the rise in non-standard forms of employment, particularly temporary employment within the TES industry, is primarily a result of the demand for labour flexibility. The TES industry that offers „labour on demand‟ is found to be an extremely secretive industry that is diverse in both its structure and services. The thesis reveals that the clients within the triangular employment relationship (TER) are reaping the most benefits especially with regard to escaping their obligations as the employer. The thesis explores human resource practices, unfair labour practices and the extensive loopholes exploited by the TES industry because of poor regulation. Consequently, the industry creates an „underclass‟ that is unprotected, insecure and easily exploitable. Qualitative research techniques were used in the form of semi-structured interviews. The thesis provides insights into the demand and supply of temporary workers in Port Elizabeth and addresses the problems associated with a TER and the TES industry as a whole.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Der Merwe, Christine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Temporary employment , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Temporary help services , Temporary help services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003079 , Temporary employment , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Temporary help services , Temporary help services -- South Africa
- Description: The core of the research focuses on the Temporary Employment Services (TES) Industry and its ability to provide labour flexibility for a number of client firms. The underlying notion that work is changing and becoming more flexible creates an exploratory realm for the concept of non-standard employment. The thesis draws on the conceptual model of the „flexible firm‟ and argues that the rise in non-standard forms of employment, particularly temporary employment within the TES industry, is primarily a result of the demand for labour flexibility. The TES industry that offers „labour on demand‟ is found to be an extremely secretive industry that is diverse in both its structure and services. The thesis reveals that the clients within the triangular employment relationship (TER) are reaping the most benefits especially with regard to escaping their obligations as the employer. The thesis explores human resource practices, unfair labour practices and the extensive loopholes exploited by the TES industry because of poor regulation. Consequently, the industry creates an „underclass‟ that is unprotected, insecure and easily exploitable. Qualitative research techniques were used in the form of semi-structured interviews. The thesis provides insights into the demand and supply of temporary workers in Port Elizabeth and addresses the problems associated with a TER and the TES industry as a whole.
- Full Text:
Cumulative effects of living conditions and working conditions on the health, well-being, and work ability of nurses in Grahamstown East and West
- Authors: Hodgskiss, Jodi Lyndall
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Nurses -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Economic conditions -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Social conditions -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social indicators -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005186 , Nurses -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Economic conditions -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Social conditions -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social indicators -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: Despite the many changes that have occurred in South Africa since the end of apartheid, there are still residual effects of it, as is evidenced in the disparity of living conditions between different racial groups. It is also evident that there are differences in the work tasks and working conditions of nurses working in different work environments. This project looks at how living conditions as well as working conditions interactively affect the health, subjective well-being, and work ability of nurses. Questionnaires were completed by, and interviews were conducted with nurses from Settlers Hospital and seven municipal clinics within Grahamstown (n=152). The participation rate was approximately 71%. The questionnaires included self-report, forced-choice questions regarding basic demographics of the nurses, work conditions, living conditions, subjective satisfaction levels, as well as a simplified version of the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Strain (Kuorinka et al., 1987), and the Work Ability Index (WAI) (Tuomi et al., 2006). The questionnaires were translated into Afrikaans and IsiXhosa. One-on-one interviews were conducted with the participants, in order to obtain a 24-hour dietary recall, an indication of physical activity levels, as well as measurements of stature, mass, waist girth and hip girth. Factor analysis was performed to identify common variance from amongst the variables, while canonical correlations examined the interaction between the sets of factors. It was found that variables relating to demographic factors, living conditions, and working conditions were closely linked to each other. Factors from each of these groups were associated with life, health, and job satisfaction, anthropometric measures, musculoskeletal strain, and WAI scores. Satisfaction levels appeared to be largely determined by socioeconomic status, while anthropometrics, WAI scores, and levels of musculoskeletal strain were associated with levels of smoking and drinking, race, age, stature, position and tenure.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hodgskiss, Jodi Lyndall
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Nurses -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Economic conditions -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Social conditions -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social indicators -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005186 , Nurses -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Economic conditions -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Nurses -- Social conditions -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Social indicators -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: Despite the many changes that have occurred in South Africa since the end of apartheid, there are still residual effects of it, as is evidenced in the disparity of living conditions between different racial groups. It is also evident that there are differences in the work tasks and working conditions of nurses working in different work environments. This project looks at how living conditions as well as working conditions interactively affect the health, subjective well-being, and work ability of nurses. Questionnaires were completed by, and interviews were conducted with nurses from Settlers Hospital and seven municipal clinics within Grahamstown (n=152). The participation rate was approximately 71%. The questionnaires included self-report, forced-choice questions regarding basic demographics of the nurses, work conditions, living conditions, subjective satisfaction levels, as well as a simplified version of the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Strain (Kuorinka et al., 1987), and the Work Ability Index (WAI) (Tuomi et al., 2006). The questionnaires were translated into Afrikaans and IsiXhosa. One-on-one interviews were conducted with the participants, in order to obtain a 24-hour dietary recall, an indication of physical activity levels, as well as measurements of stature, mass, waist girth and hip girth. Factor analysis was performed to identify common variance from amongst the variables, while canonical correlations examined the interaction between the sets of factors. It was found that variables relating to demographic factors, living conditions, and working conditions were closely linked to each other. Factors from each of these groups were associated with life, health, and job satisfaction, anthropometric measures, musculoskeletal strain, and WAI scores. Satisfaction levels appeared to be largely determined by socioeconomic status, while anthropometrics, WAI scores, and levels of musculoskeletal strain were associated with levels of smoking and drinking, race, age, stature, position and tenure.
- Full Text:
Day-of-the-week effect : evidence from nine sectors of the South African stock market
- Authors: Mbululu, Douglas
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002759 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa
- Description: The day-of-the-week effect in share prices is one of the most extensively researched anomalies, especially in developed markets. However, emerging African stock markets have received little attention in this regard. This study breaks new ground in using non-parametric tests directly on skewness and kurtosis to examine whether the day-of-he-week effect exists in nine listed stock market sector indices of the JSE Securities Exchange of South Africa (JSE). Different day-of-the-week effects were found to be present in the statistical moments of returns of these nine JSE sectors
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbululu, Douglas
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002759 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa
- Description: The day-of-the-week effect in share prices is one of the most extensively researched anomalies, especially in developed markets. However, emerging African stock markets have received little attention in this regard. This study breaks new ground in using non-parametric tests directly on skewness and kurtosis to examine whether the day-of-he-week effect exists in nine listed stock market sector indices of the JSE Securities Exchange of South Africa (JSE). Different day-of-the-week effects were found to be present in the statistical moments of returns of these nine JSE sectors
- Full Text:
Deliberating the Dialogues: a critical examination of the nature and purpose of a Daily Dispatch public journalism project
- Authors: Amner, Roderick John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Daily Dispatch (East London, South Africa) Journalism -- South Africa -- East London Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002870
- Description: This thesis critically examines the nature and purpose of a series of four town-hall-like meetings, the Community Dialogues, held in the townships and suburbs of East London, South Africa, in 2009. They were undertaken by a mainstream, commercial newspaper, the Daily Dispatch, under the banner of the worldwide public journalism movement. Following Christians et al (2009), the thesis sets out a normative framework of media performance in a democracy, including a detailed and critical normative theory of the ‘facilitative role’ proposed and developed by Haas (2007), one of the public journalism movement’s key advocate-theorists. It also draws on a variety of theoretical frameworks and perspectives in the fields of Political Studies and Media Studies to provide an analytical overview of the complex matrix of political and media contexts – at the macro (global), meso (national) and micro (local) levels – that have helped give impetus to the Community Dialogues and also shaped their ongoing operation as a public journalism strategy in the South African context. Following a critical realist case study design, the thesis goes on to provide a narrative account of the Dialogues based on in-depth interviews exploring the motivations, self-understandings and perceptions of those journalists who originated, directed and participated in this project, as well as observation of a Community Dialogue, and an examination of some of the journalistic texts related to the Dialogues. This primary data is then critically evaluated against normative theories of press performance, especially Haas’s ‘public philosophy’ of public journalism. The thesis found that apart from their undoubted success in generating a more comprehensive and representative news agenda for the newspaper, the Dialogues often fell short of Habermas’s (1989) proceduralist-discursive notion of the ‘deliberating public’, which sees citizens share a commitment to engage in common deliberation and public problem solving. This can be attributed to a number of problems, including some important theoretical/conceptual weaknesses in the Community Dialogues’ project design, the relative immaturity of the project, the domination of civil society by political society in the South African political context, and a number of organisational constraints at the Daily Dispatch. On the other hand, the newspaper’s editorial leadership has shown clear commitment to the idea of expanding the project in the future, establishing a more a more structured programme of community engagement, and nurturing a more sustainable public sphere, including the building of a more dialectical relationship between the Dialogues and civil society.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Amner, Roderick John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Daily Dispatch (East London, South Africa) Journalism -- South Africa -- East London Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002870
- Description: This thesis critically examines the nature and purpose of a series of four town-hall-like meetings, the Community Dialogues, held in the townships and suburbs of East London, South Africa, in 2009. They were undertaken by a mainstream, commercial newspaper, the Daily Dispatch, under the banner of the worldwide public journalism movement. Following Christians et al (2009), the thesis sets out a normative framework of media performance in a democracy, including a detailed and critical normative theory of the ‘facilitative role’ proposed and developed by Haas (2007), one of the public journalism movement’s key advocate-theorists. It also draws on a variety of theoretical frameworks and perspectives in the fields of Political Studies and Media Studies to provide an analytical overview of the complex matrix of political and media contexts – at the macro (global), meso (national) and micro (local) levels – that have helped give impetus to the Community Dialogues and also shaped their ongoing operation as a public journalism strategy in the South African context. Following a critical realist case study design, the thesis goes on to provide a narrative account of the Dialogues based on in-depth interviews exploring the motivations, self-understandings and perceptions of those journalists who originated, directed and participated in this project, as well as observation of a Community Dialogue, and an examination of some of the journalistic texts related to the Dialogues. This primary data is then critically evaluated against normative theories of press performance, especially Haas’s ‘public philosophy’ of public journalism. The thesis found that apart from their undoubted success in generating a more comprehensive and representative news agenda for the newspaper, the Dialogues often fell short of Habermas’s (1989) proceduralist-discursive notion of the ‘deliberating public’, which sees citizens share a commitment to engage in common deliberation and public problem solving. This can be attributed to a number of problems, including some important theoretical/conceptual weaknesses in the Community Dialogues’ project design, the relative immaturity of the project, the domination of civil society by political society in the South African political context, and a number of organisational constraints at the Daily Dispatch. On the other hand, the newspaper’s editorial leadership has shown clear commitment to the idea of expanding the project in the future, establishing a more a more structured programme of community engagement, and nurturing a more sustainable public sphere, including the building of a more dialectical relationship between the Dialogues and civil society.
- Full Text:
Democratic leadership and management practices in a rural Namibian secondary school
- Authors: Mabuku, Robert Nalisa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies School management and organization -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational change -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003370
- Description: The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the understanding and implementation of democratic leadership and management in schools by school managers and other members of the school community in leadership and management roles as advocated by the policy of Education for all. The study also aimed at identifying any gaps in the understanding and practice of the participants in order to enhance democratic leadership and management in schools. Qualitative research using the interpretive approach was the methodology employed in order to fulfill the intention of the study, namely to investigate the participants` experiences and understanding of democratic education leadership and management. The case study method was appropriate to understand the meanings the participants attached to their practice in their natural setting. Data were collected by using semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observation. The sample for the study consisted of ten participants: the principal, the head of department, two School Board members, two senior teachers, two Learner Representative Council members and two class captains. The findings suggest that the participants understood and practised democratic ELM in terms of broader participation, open communication, delegation for empowerment, learning organisation, shared decision-making, shared leadership and teamwork. However, the data suggest areas of concern in the participants` understanding and implementation of the policy which could be strengthened to entrench the policy. The study recommends that education policy makers, education managers, school managers, teachers, parents and learners all work towards improving democratic ELM in schools. In order to achieve this objective, policy makers are urged to avoid ambiguity to enable all implementers to fully understand policies. Education managers could ensure school-wide training on the policy while school managers and other stakeholders should engage in self-reflection and introspection and be more proactive towards improving their own understanding and practice.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mabuku, Robert Nalisa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies School management and organization -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational change -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003370
- Description: The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the understanding and implementation of democratic leadership and management in schools by school managers and other members of the school community in leadership and management roles as advocated by the policy of Education for all. The study also aimed at identifying any gaps in the understanding and practice of the participants in order to enhance democratic leadership and management in schools. Qualitative research using the interpretive approach was the methodology employed in order to fulfill the intention of the study, namely to investigate the participants` experiences and understanding of democratic education leadership and management. The case study method was appropriate to understand the meanings the participants attached to their practice in their natural setting. Data were collected by using semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observation. The sample for the study consisted of ten participants: the principal, the head of department, two School Board members, two senior teachers, two Learner Representative Council members and two class captains. The findings suggest that the participants understood and practised democratic ELM in terms of broader participation, open communication, delegation for empowerment, learning organisation, shared decision-making, shared leadership and teamwork. However, the data suggest areas of concern in the participants` understanding and implementation of the policy which could be strengthened to entrench the policy. The study recommends that education policy makers, education managers, school managers, teachers, parents and learners all work towards improving democratic ELM in schools. In order to achieve this objective, policy makers are urged to avoid ambiguity to enable all implementers to fully understand policies. Education managers could ensure school-wide training on the policy while school managers and other stakeholders should engage in self-reflection and introspection and be more proactive towards improving their own understanding and practice.
- Full Text:
Demographical diversity influence on online shopping orientation and propensity to buy online
- Authors: Tapson, Megan Jacqueline
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Teleshopping -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Cross-cultural studies , Ethnicity -- South Africa , Ethnic attitudes -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:1168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002784 , Teleshopping -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Cross-cultural studies , Ethnicity -- South Africa , Ethnic attitudes -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa
- Description: Online shopping is a growing phenomenon all over the world, and it has thus had an influence on the shopping process for many consumers (Brengman et al., 2005:79; Brown et al., 2003:1667; Kau et al., 2003:139). Consumers are now choosing to shop online due to changes in their lifestyles and demographic diversity (Kau et al., 2003:139). The purpose of this research was to examine the extent to which demographic diversity influenced online shopping orientation and propensity to buy online. The researcher first conducted an in-depth theoretical study of previous research into demographic diversity, online shopping orientation and propensity to buy online. Next, the researcher conducted an empirical survey questionnaire, in order to assess the opinions of students at the three selected Eastern Cape universities. Phinney's (1992:156) multi-group ethnic identity measure was administered in order to identify how respondents feel about their ethnicity and/or how they react to their own ethnic group. Kau et al.,'s (2003) online shopping orientation measure was used to help identify six relevant online shopping factors. The six online shopping factors where then used to describe six online shopping orientation types. The main findings of this research conducted at three Universities in the Eastern Cape can be summarised as follows: Ethnic Identity Profile: - Within this research it was found that respondents at all three universities in general had a strong ethnic identity to their specified ethnic group, according to the two ethnic identity factors namely; commitment and exploration. Online Shopping Orientation Profile: - Within this research it was found that the respondents at all three universities in general could be categorised in one of six online shopping orientation types according to six online shopping factors. The extent to which demographic diversity influences types of online shopping orientation: - From the research hypotheses it was concluded that a relationship exists between demographic diversity and types of online shopping orientations, whereby the gender, race and ethnicity of respondent is likely to influence the way consumers shop online, namely the consumers‟ online shopping orientation. The extent to which demographic diversity influences propensity to buy online: - From the research hypotheses it was concluded that a relationship exists between demographic diversity and propensity to buy online, whereby the gender of respondents is likely to influence whether consumers buy online in the future. - From the research hypotheses it was concluded that no relationship exists between demographic diversity and propensity to buy online, whereby the race and ethnicity of respondents is not likely to influence whether consumers buy online in the future. The extent to which types of online shopping orientation influence propensity to buy online: - The findings suggest that different online shopping orientations have different propensities to buy online in the future. Hence, marketers should be aware of the online shopping orientations more likely to buy online in the future and focus their marketing programs on them. They should also try new ways to attract the online shopping orientations that may not buy online, in the hopes of changing their opinions and perceptions of the Internet and online shopping. South Africa, in particular, consists of multi-racial and diverse ethnic origins, which has resulted in a demographically diverse South African nation. Therefore, marketers need to develop a better understanding of consumers‟ online shopping orientation (Donthu and Garcia, 1999:57; Jayawardhena and Foley, 2000:19; Kau et al., 2003:140). Understanding consumers' online shopping orientation will assist marketers in being able to market to specific consumers and meet the needs of consumers effectively (Kau et al., 2003:140). Since demographic diversity influences the online shopping orientations of consumers, major opportunities for marketers will be provided by accommodating for a demographically diverse South African nation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tapson, Megan Jacqueline
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Teleshopping -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Cross-cultural studies , Ethnicity -- South Africa , Ethnic attitudes -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:1168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002784 , Teleshopping -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Cross-cultural studies , Ethnicity -- South Africa , Ethnic attitudes -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa
- Description: Online shopping is a growing phenomenon all over the world, and it has thus had an influence on the shopping process for many consumers (Brengman et al., 2005:79; Brown et al., 2003:1667; Kau et al., 2003:139). Consumers are now choosing to shop online due to changes in their lifestyles and demographic diversity (Kau et al., 2003:139). The purpose of this research was to examine the extent to which demographic diversity influenced online shopping orientation and propensity to buy online. The researcher first conducted an in-depth theoretical study of previous research into demographic diversity, online shopping orientation and propensity to buy online. Next, the researcher conducted an empirical survey questionnaire, in order to assess the opinions of students at the three selected Eastern Cape universities. Phinney's (1992:156) multi-group ethnic identity measure was administered in order to identify how respondents feel about their ethnicity and/or how they react to their own ethnic group. Kau et al.,'s (2003) online shopping orientation measure was used to help identify six relevant online shopping factors. The six online shopping factors where then used to describe six online shopping orientation types. The main findings of this research conducted at three Universities in the Eastern Cape can be summarised as follows: Ethnic Identity Profile: - Within this research it was found that respondents at all three universities in general had a strong ethnic identity to their specified ethnic group, according to the two ethnic identity factors namely; commitment and exploration. Online Shopping Orientation Profile: - Within this research it was found that the respondents at all three universities in general could be categorised in one of six online shopping orientation types according to six online shopping factors. The extent to which demographic diversity influences types of online shopping orientation: - From the research hypotheses it was concluded that a relationship exists between demographic diversity and types of online shopping orientations, whereby the gender, race and ethnicity of respondent is likely to influence the way consumers shop online, namely the consumers‟ online shopping orientation. The extent to which demographic diversity influences propensity to buy online: - From the research hypotheses it was concluded that a relationship exists between demographic diversity and propensity to buy online, whereby the gender of respondents is likely to influence whether consumers buy online in the future. - From the research hypotheses it was concluded that no relationship exists between demographic diversity and propensity to buy online, whereby the race and ethnicity of respondents is not likely to influence whether consumers buy online in the future. The extent to which types of online shopping orientation influence propensity to buy online: - The findings suggest that different online shopping orientations have different propensities to buy online in the future. Hence, marketers should be aware of the online shopping orientations more likely to buy online in the future and focus their marketing programs on them. They should also try new ways to attract the online shopping orientations that may not buy online, in the hopes of changing their opinions and perceptions of the Internet and online shopping. South Africa, in particular, consists of multi-racial and diverse ethnic origins, which has resulted in a demographically diverse South African nation. Therefore, marketers need to develop a better understanding of consumers‟ online shopping orientation (Donthu and Garcia, 1999:57; Jayawardhena and Foley, 2000:19; Kau et al., 2003:140). Understanding consumers' online shopping orientation will assist marketers in being able to market to specific consumers and meet the needs of consumers effectively (Kau et al., 2003:140). Since demographic diversity influences the online shopping orientations of consumers, major opportunities for marketers will be provided by accommodating for a demographically diverse South African nation.
- Full Text:
Developing a systematic model for the capturing and use of African oral poetry: the Bongani Sitole experience
- Authors: Mostert, Andre
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sitole, Bongani, 1937- Communication and culture Oral tradition in literature Oral tradition -- Africa Ethnoscience -- Africa Folk poetry, African
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3579 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002154
- Description: Oral traditions and oral literature have long contributed to human communication. The advent of arguably the most important technology, the written word, altered human ability to create and develop. However, this development for all its potential and scope created one of the most insidious dichotomies. As the written word developed so too the oral word became devalued and pushed to the fringes of societal development. One of the unfortunate outcomes has been a focus on the nomenclatures associated with orality and oral tradition, which although of importance, has skewed where the focus could and should have been located, namely, how to support and maintain the oral word and its innate value to human society in the face of what has become rampant technological developments. It is now ironic that technology is creating a fecund environment for a rebirth of orality. The study aims to mobilize technauriture as a paradigm in order to further embed orality and oral traditions to coherently embrace this changing technological environment. The central tenet of the study is that in order to enhance the status of orality the innate value embodied in indigenous knowledge systems must be recognized. Using the work of Bongani Sitole, an oral poet, as a backdrop the study will demonstrate a basic model that can act as a foundation for the effective integration of orality into contemporary structures. This is based on work that I published in the Journal of African Contemporary Studies (2009). Given the obvious multi-disciplinary nature of the material the work covers a wide cross section of the debate, from questions of epistemology and knowledge in general in terms of oral traditions, through the consciousness and technical landscapes, via the experience with Sitole’s material to issues of copyright and ownership. This work has also been submitted for publication together with my supervisor as a co-author. The study intends to consolidate the technauriture debate and lay a solid foundation to support further study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mostert, Andre
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sitole, Bongani, 1937- Communication and culture Oral tradition in literature Oral tradition -- Africa Ethnoscience -- Africa Folk poetry, African
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3579 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002154
- Description: Oral traditions and oral literature have long contributed to human communication. The advent of arguably the most important technology, the written word, altered human ability to create and develop. However, this development for all its potential and scope created one of the most insidious dichotomies. As the written word developed so too the oral word became devalued and pushed to the fringes of societal development. One of the unfortunate outcomes has been a focus on the nomenclatures associated with orality and oral tradition, which although of importance, has skewed where the focus could and should have been located, namely, how to support and maintain the oral word and its innate value to human society in the face of what has become rampant technological developments. It is now ironic that technology is creating a fecund environment for a rebirth of orality. The study aims to mobilize technauriture as a paradigm in order to further embed orality and oral traditions to coherently embrace this changing technological environment. The central tenet of the study is that in order to enhance the status of orality the innate value embodied in indigenous knowledge systems must be recognized. Using the work of Bongani Sitole, an oral poet, as a backdrop the study will demonstrate a basic model that can act as a foundation for the effective integration of orality into contemporary structures. This is based on work that I published in the Journal of African Contemporary Studies (2009). Given the obvious multi-disciplinary nature of the material the work covers a wide cross section of the debate, from questions of epistemology and knowledge in general in terms of oral traditions, through the consciousness and technical landscapes, via the experience with Sitole’s material to issues of copyright and ownership. This work has also been submitted for publication together with my supervisor as a co-author. The study intends to consolidate the technauriture debate and lay a solid foundation to support further study.
- Full Text:
Development and assessment of minocycline sustained release capsule formulations
- Sachikonye, Tinotenda Chipo Victoria
- Authors: Sachikonye, Tinotenda Chipo Victoria
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Drugs -- Controlled release , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Capsules (Pharmacy) , Drugs -- Administration , Acne -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013127
- Description: The use of minocycline for the treatment of a broad range of systemic infections and for severe acne has been associated with vestibular side effects. The severity of side effects may lead to poor adherence to therapy by patients. The use of sustained release formulations of minocycline that display slow dissolution of minocycline following administration may be beneficial in reducing the incidence and severity of side effects. Therefore, sustained release capsule dosage forms containing 100 mg minocycline (base) were manufactured and assessed for use as sustained release oral dosage forms of minocycline. Minocycline sustained release capsules were manufactured based on matrix technologies using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and Compritol® as release retarding polymers. The rate and extent of minocycline release from the capsules was evaluated using USP Apparatus 1 and samples were analysed using a validated High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection. Differences in the rate and extent of minocycline release from formulations manufactured using HPMC or Compritol® were influenced by the concentration of polymer used in the formulations. The rate and extent of minocycline release was faster and greater when low concentrations of polymer were used in formulations. The effect of different excipients on the release pattern(s) of minocycline and particularly their potential to optimise minocycline release from experimental formulations was investigated. The use of diluents such as lactose and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) revealed that lactose facilitated minocycline release when HPMC was used as the polymer matrix. In contrast, the use of lactose as diluent resulted in slower release of minocycline from Compritol® based formulations. The addition of sodium starch glycolate to HPMC based formulations resulted in slower release of minocycline than when no sodium starch glycolate was used. Compritol® based formulations were observed to release minocycline faster following addition of sodium starch glycolate and Poloxamer 188 to experimental formulations. In vitro dissolution profiles were compared to a target or reference profile using the difference and similarity factors, ƒ1 and ƒ2 , and a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). In addition, the mechanism of minocycline release was elucidated following fitting of dissolution data to the Korsmeyer-Peppas, Higuchi and Zero order models. Minocycline release kinetics were best described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and the values of the release exponent, n (italics), revealed that drug release was a result of the combined effects of minocycline diffusion through matrices and erosion of the matrices. These in vitro dissolution profiles were better fit to the Higuchi model than to the Zero order model. Two formulations that displayed a fit to the Zero order model were identified for further studies as potential dosage forms for sustained release minocycline.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sachikonye, Tinotenda Chipo Victoria
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Drugs -- Controlled release , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Capsules (Pharmacy) , Drugs -- Administration , Acne -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013127
- Description: The use of minocycline for the treatment of a broad range of systemic infections and for severe acne has been associated with vestibular side effects. The severity of side effects may lead to poor adherence to therapy by patients. The use of sustained release formulations of minocycline that display slow dissolution of minocycline following administration may be beneficial in reducing the incidence and severity of side effects. Therefore, sustained release capsule dosage forms containing 100 mg minocycline (base) were manufactured and assessed for use as sustained release oral dosage forms of minocycline. Minocycline sustained release capsules were manufactured based on matrix technologies using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and Compritol® as release retarding polymers. The rate and extent of minocycline release from the capsules was evaluated using USP Apparatus 1 and samples were analysed using a validated High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection. Differences in the rate and extent of minocycline release from formulations manufactured using HPMC or Compritol® were influenced by the concentration of polymer used in the formulations. The rate and extent of minocycline release was faster and greater when low concentrations of polymer were used in formulations. The effect of different excipients on the release pattern(s) of minocycline and particularly their potential to optimise minocycline release from experimental formulations was investigated. The use of diluents such as lactose and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) revealed that lactose facilitated minocycline release when HPMC was used as the polymer matrix. In contrast, the use of lactose as diluent resulted in slower release of minocycline from Compritol® based formulations. The addition of sodium starch glycolate to HPMC based formulations resulted in slower release of minocycline than when no sodium starch glycolate was used. Compritol® based formulations were observed to release minocycline faster following addition of sodium starch glycolate and Poloxamer 188 to experimental formulations. In vitro dissolution profiles were compared to a target or reference profile using the difference and similarity factors, ƒ1 and ƒ2 , and a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). In addition, the mechanism of minocycline release was elucidated following fitting of dissolution data to the Korsmeyer-Peppas, Higuchi and Zero order models. Minocycline release kinetics were best described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and the values of the release exponent, n (italics), revealed that drug release was a result of the combined effects of minocycline diffusion through matrices and erosion of the matrices. These in vitro dissolution profiles were better fit to the Higuchi model than to the Zero order model. Two formulations that displayed a fit to the Zero order model were identified for further studies as potential dosage forms for sustained release minocycline.
- Full Text:
Disjunctures within conventional knowledge of black male homosexual identity in contemporary South Africa
- Authors: Li, Xinling
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mead, George Herbert 1863-1931 , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 , Butler, Judith, 1956- , Gay men, Black -- South Africa , Lesbians -- South Africa , Gender identity -- South Africa , Homosexuality -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Gender identity -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003085 , Mead, George Herbert 1863-1931 , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 , Butler, Judith, 1956- , Gay men, Black -- South Africa , Lesbians -- South Africa , Gender identity -- South Africa , Homosexuality -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Gender identity -- Social aspects
- Description: This thesis provides a sociological understanding of how conventional knowledge of sexuality negates the identity formation of black gay men in contemporary South Africa. It investigates the coming out experiences of six black gay men in order to reveal the disjunctures between being black and being gay. The theoretical formation of disjuncture is pursued through examining a number of sociological, historical, psychoanalytical, and feminist approaches to identity, sexuality, and society; featuring specifically the theories of George Herbert Mead, Michel Foucault, and Judith Butler. The chosen research paradigm is symbolic interactionism, postulating both „pragmatist‟ and „empiricist‟ trends that lead to both interactionist and structuralist forms of argumentation. The interactionist approach to sexuality is central to the deconstruction of sexual conventions. It involves conceptualising modern sexuality in the landscapes of African colonial history and the global gay and lesbian movement. The prescribed literature on homosexuality is thus reviewed in conjunction with the South African gay and lesbian struggle, so as to spawn themes and perspectives for conducting life story interviews. The use of the life story interview favours the participants‟ own view of the studied phenomenon, yet aims to depict the structural influence on homosexual identification. Following the qualitative research tradition, the data analysis is based on the interpretation of narratives. It illustrates interpersonal relationships and microscopic experiences that lead to the self-acceptance and self-actualisation of homosexuality. Within these processes, various disjunctures that exist between the cultural sanction of lifestyle and individual choice, between parents and children, between religious belief and personal desires, and between gender identity and sexual orientation are disclosed. The findings are associated with the historical transformation of masculinity in South Africa, sex role performance, and the heterosexualisation of desire. The solution to the proposed research problem is discussed through concepts of socialisation and gender conformity.
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- Authors: Li, Xinling
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mead, George Herbert 1863-1931 , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 , Butler, Judith, 1956- , Gay men, Black -- South Africa , Lesbians -- South Africa , Gender identity -- South Africa , Homosexuality -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Gender identity -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003085 , Mead, George Herbert 1863-1931 , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 , Butler, Judith, 1956- , Gay men, Black -- South Africa , Lesbians -- South Africa , Gender identity -- South Africa , Homosexuality -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Gender identity -- Social aspects
- Description: This thesis provides a sociological understanding of how conventional knowledge of sexuality negates the identity formation of black gay men in contemporary South Africa. It investigates the coming out experiences of six black gay men in order to reveal the disjunctures between being black and being gay. The theoretical formation of disjuncture is pursued through examining a number of sociological, historical, psychoanalytical, and feminist approaches to identity, sexuality, and society; featuring specifically the theories of George Herbert Mead, Michel Foucault, and Judith Butler. The chosen research paradigm is symbolic interactionism, postulating both „pragmatist‟ and „empiricist‟ trends that lead to both interactionist and structuralist forms of argumentation. The interactionist approach to sexuality is central to the deconstruction of sexual conventions. It involves conceptualising modern sexuality in the landscapes of African colonial history and the global gay and lesbian movement. The prescribed literature on homosexuality is thus reviewed in conjunction with the South African gay and lesbian struggle, so as to spawn themes and perspectives for conducting life story interviews. The use of the life story interview favours the participants‟ own view of the studied phenomenon, yet aims to depict the structural influence on homosexual identification. Following the qualitative research tradition, the data analysis is based on the interpretation of narratives. It illustrates interpersonal relationships and microscopic experiences that lead to the self-acceptance and self-actualisation of homosexuality. Within these processes, various disjunctures that exist between the cultural sanction of lifestyle and individual choice, between parents and children, between religious belief and personal desires, and between gender identity and sexual orientation are disclosed. The findings are associated with the historical transformation of masculinity in South Africa, sex role performance, and the heterosexualisation of desire. The solution to the proposed research problem is discussed through concepts of socialisation and gender conformity.
- Full Text: